Understanding a true Masterâ€¦..

Meher Baba (25th Feb. 1894 â€“ 31st Jan. 1969) was a spiritual Master of the highest order. Unshackled by dogma, ritual or attachment to any particular religion, His physically active role spans an extraordinary life.

In Meher Baba, we find a perfect example for study of the working of a true spiritual Master. Even though He kept verbal silence for forty four years from 10th July 1925 till He dropped His body on 31st Jan 1969, he was a constant communicator. "I am never silent. I speak eternally. The voice that is heard deep within the soul is My voiceâ€¦the voice of inspiration, of intuition, of guidance. To those who are receptive to this voice, I speak."

Transcribed from hand signs and gestures, His insights as found in â€™Discoursesâ€™, 'God Speaks', and other books are among the most comprehensive reviews of spiritual dynamics revealed in the present century.

Meher Baba's life reflected a remarkable mix of divine and human perfection. He exemplified "Mastery in Servitude". His well documented history is a powerful example of compassionate love, tireless service, unlimited wisdom, delightful humour and brilliant innovation. Millions around the world consider Him to be the universal Avatar â€“ Christ, Messiah, God-Man â€“ of this Age. "I am that Ancient One whose past is worshiped and remembered, whose present is ignored and forgotten, and whose future (Advent) is anticipated with great fervour and longing".

Baba worked with His close disciples (Baba lovers as they are called) on a practical and human level. His techniques were both timeless and absolutely specific to individual needs. His standards for spiritual attainment were the highest, His method brook no compromise with the elimination of the ego.

Unless one understands the nature of a true Master, Meher Baba's life seems enigmatic. He showed disciples how the most mystical of inner journeys is best trod in the context of ordinary life as also the potential of realizing God within oneself.

"â€¦ The most practical thing to do in the world is to be spiritually minded. It needs no special time, place or circumstance. It is not necessarily concerned with anything out of the way in anyone's daily life and day to day routine. It is never too early or too late to be spiritual. It is just a simple question of having the proper mental attitude towards lasting values, changing circumstances and avoidable eventualities, as well as a healthy sense of the inevitable. Spirituality is neither restricted to, nor can it be restricted by, anyone or anything, anywhere, at any time. It covers all life for all time, and it can easily be achieved through selfless service and that pure love which knows no bondage and seeks no boundary".

Meher Baba's approach to spiritual development transcends differences between the various factions of religious philosophy He never sought to form a sect or proclaim a dogma. He attracted and welcomed people of all faiths and every social class with a message emphasizing Love and Selfless Service. "I have not come to establish any cult, society or organization; nor even to establish a new religion. The religion that I shall give teaches the knowledge of the One behind the many. The book that I shall make people read is the book of the heart that holds the key to the mystery of life. I shall bring about a happy blending of the head and the heart. I shall revitalize all religions and cults, and bring them together like beads on one string."

His followers, without establishing any cult or religion, continue to gather to discuss and read His works and express their reflections on His life and message through music, poetry, dance, drama, painting and other forms of art.

His Tomb-shrine at Meherabad near Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India has become a place of pilgrimage for His lovers and seekers of Truth throughout the world. "I am equally approachable to one and all, big and small, to saints who rise and sinners who fall, through all the various Paths that give the Divine Call. I am approachable alike to saint whom I adore and to sinner who I am for, and equally through Sufism, Vedantism, Christianity, or Zoroastrianism and Buddhism, and other 'isms' of any kind, and also directly through no medium of 'ism' at all."